by Bailey McKay

The National Hereford Queen is the visible representation of generations of Hereford breeders from across the nation. This young woman, dressed in white with a sparkling crown upon her head, walks classes, divisions and championship drives into the ring at all national shows and attends Hereford sales.

Abbygail Pitstick, the 2017-18 National Hereford Queen from South Solon, Ohio, is a 17-year-old self-made Hereford breeder who is proud to become a part of the strong tradition of queens. Abbygail got her start by showing a Hereford heifer with no prior family involvement in the breed. She currently raises 30-40 head of cattle, primarily comprised of registered Herefords but also has Angus, Chianina, Simmental and miniature Herefords sprinkled in.

Confident is a powerful word, and it perfectly describes how Abby ran for state and national queen. After finding out that the Hereford association had a national queen, Pitstick set her goal to be the queen. For three years she has watched the queen program, studied the requirements, and prepared herself for the role.

“We knew she could do it, it was just up to her to get it done,” says Elizabeth Pitstick, Abby’s mother.

As Abby fulfills her duties, her personal confidence shines through. Abby is looking forward to meeting breeders and creating connections that will turn into lifelong friendships. She plans to use her position to be a role model for younger generations. Abby has already experienced the curtain call with the Auctioneer’s Song in Reno and the emanate beauty of the Rocky Mountains in Denver. During these national shows she attended the national sales as well. Abby assisted with the selling of the foundation female in Denver and enjoyed the stockyards filled with good old Texas hospitality in Ft. Worth.

“That was a very humbling experience to be a part of selling that great foundation female,” says Abby.

While in Ft. Worth, Abby held a framed print of “Majestic” by Amanda Raithel that was auctioned to benefit the National Hereford Women. Abby fell in love with the print and was humbled to receive it as a gift from Gary and Kathy Buchholz who purchased the picture in the fundraiser. As Abby gears up to “Get Aboard the Hereford Express” in Grand Island this summer, she encourages everyone to participate in the Herefords Helping Heroes program. Hereford families traditionally have deep pride for our country, with many members having served in the armed forces or having family members who serve. Abby thought it would be fitting to honor all past and present men and women since the 4th of July will be celebrated during junior nationals.

“I have many family members and friends that have served or are serving, so being able to help these troops and their families really hits home for me,” says Abby. Donations from junior members and their families will be collected and paired with an encouraging note to be distributed to service members.

Abby is sharing her national queen experience with her family. As her grandfather fights his battle against cancer, he is participating in her journey through hearing her stories. It gives her family a bright spot and something positive to look forward to. It has also taught Abby many lessons. “Be yourself. It is hard to believe that this is what I have learned, but it is true and I think it is important when you are in this type of position,” says Abby.

This article originally appeared in “The Advantage” – The National Junior Hereford Association Newsletter – Spring 2018. To download this newsletter, click below.

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